Kear and Maun eager for clash to be annual fixture

Andrew Hunt

Batley Bulldogs coach John Kear hopes to make the Heavy Woollen Select match a regular fixture in Batley’s pre-season programme.

Kear was impressed with the way the Heavy Woollen amateurs applied themselves in last Sunday’s game, but was equally pleased with Batley’s display.

Batley produced a clinical second half display to eventually run out 68-6 winners but both sides were able to take positives from the game.

Speaking after Sunday’s game, Kear said: “I think this is a great concept and the amateurs started off really well but when you are a professional outfit, fitness tells and we have some skilful players as well.

“It’s been really good for the amateur game and it gives them something to look forward to.

“Like the Dewsbury Boxing Day game, this should be a regular feature, so the amateur lads can aim to get into this select team.”

While allowing the Heavy Woollen lads chance to play in front of a big crowd at a professional stadium, it also provided Batley with an important test in their pre-season.

Kear added: “I set a task to our lads and the fulfilled that task so it’s another positive step towards the start of the season.

“We are developing good players but also developing as a good group, so it’s another positive.

“I’m really pleased with the effort and application they are putting in in training.”

Danny Maun enjoyed his first experience at coaching and would also like to see the fixture repeated.

Maun said: “The amateur lads have been champing at the bit to get a chance.

“We will look to keep these lads together and perhaps try and arrange other games.

“We could look at playing Dewsbury later on this year and maybe arrange games against other district sides.

“We should make this an annual event now because there is loads of talent in the area.

“We have to keep this kind of thing going as it is great for the young kids.”

n Batley Bulldogs are holding a ‘meet the players’ night in the Ron Earnshaw Lounge at Fox’s Biscuits Stadium next Friday (February 6), starting at 7.30pm.

The full Bulldogs squad will be attending and all supporters are welcome.

Player sponsors from last season will also be presented with their individual player’s shirt.